FOCAL

The Jane Mercer Training Award

In memory of Jane Mercer, FOCAL International has established the Jane Mercer Training Award. The Award is intended to provide assistance to those wishing to further their professional development in the footage industry and its associated areas.

Jane Mercer was passionate about the archive and content industries. She began her career with Associated Rediffusion Television, later working at the British Film Institute as Press Officer and in the 1970s moved into film research. During the course of her career she worked for all the UK major television companies and in the mid 1990s began teaching a short course at the National Film and Television School. This led her on to do similar work at the BBC, ITN, PACT (the Producers Alliance for Film and Television) and the European Documentary Network. Jane was Chair of FOCAL International 2000-2005, during which time she championed professional development and training. She received the FOCAL International Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005. Jane’s words sum up her passion and beliefs: ‘I believe deeply and passionately in what FOCAL is and does and I think that the world of footage libraries and archives, unlike much of the media industry, has a community of aims and ideas and a generosity of spirit which makes working for it not only a great responsibility but also a huge pleasure’.

The Award is aimed at those individuals who are either intending to develop a career in the footage industry and its associated areas or who are currently working in the industry. These include, but not exclusively, film/photograph archives, film/photograph libraries, research (film/photographs), film laboratories, facility houses, broadcasters and production companies. Its purpose is to provide financial support (although assistance in kind is also offered) in order to assist an individual pursue a chosen area of academic or vocational development in the relevant industries and to highlight FOCAL International’s role in, and commitment to, training.

The Award will provide up to £1000 annually to assist in meeting training needs.

Assistance in kind, such as a FOCAL International Training Week placement or attendance at a FOCAL International organised seminar, may also be considered, but an award of both to the same individual is excluded.

See application form for details. Closing date for 2008-2009 applications 31 August 2008.

FOCAL International - The Jane Mercer Training Award

Application Form

Eligibility: Any individuals currently working in what FOCAL International broadly recognises as the footage industry and associated areas or any individual intending to pursue a career in such industry or areas. The Award is available to those seeking academic or vocational training, whether this is college or industry based. There are no minimum educational requirements for applicants. Applicants need not be members of FOCAL International, but if not, the successful applicant (s) will become an associate member for one year.

A total financial award of up to £1000 will be made each year and at least one placement on the FOCAL International Training Week will be made available. However, these awards are separate and not available to the same individual.

Applications must consist of a maximum of 1000 words typed on no more than two sides of A4 paper, outlining what their current position is, why they wish to pursue a particular course - whether in education or industry - and how FOCAL International might best help them. They should also state what they see as their future role within the industry or associated areas. In addition to the above, but contained on an additional and separate page, applicants must give a detailed breakdown of costs they are likely to incur, including any course costs, travel, accommodation etc and in what area of expenditure the Award might assist them. Applications must also be accompanied by a current curriculum vitae.

On completion of training, the successful applicant will be required to submit a written report to FOCAL International of at least 1000 words, detailing the training received and its benefits to both the individual and the footage industry.

Closing date: 31 August 2008

All applications will be reviewed by the FOCAL International Training Committee and successful applicant (s) will be notified by 1 October 2008. The Committee’s decision is final.

Application Form

Name:……………………………………………………………………………

Organisation (if any):…………………………………………………………….

Address:…………………………………………………………………………

Contact telephone:……………………….. Email:……………………………...

Name and address of educational institution or company where training is intended:

……………………………………………………………………………………….

Name and contact details of supervisor or relevant senior person at above organisation:

………………………………………………………………………………………..

Details and length of proposed course or training:……………………………..…….

………………………………………………………………………………………...

…………………………………………………………………………………………

Are you/will you be in receipt of any other award or assistance for the purposes of the above course or training? If yes, please indicate details:

………………………………………………………………………………………….

Signature……………………………………………… Date:…………………………

Please attach the 1000 word (max) A4 documents, your budget breakdown, names and addresses of TWO references email and post to:

FOCAL International
Jane Mercer Training Award
Pentax House
South Hill Avenue
South Harrow
Middlesex, HA2 0DU
UK

Email: info@focalint.org

Applications to reach the FOCAL International office by no later than 31 August 2008.